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TexasHB 566689th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to the creation of the Fenske Road Municipal Utility District of Harris County; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Sponsored By: Paul Bettencourt (Republican), Tom Oliverson

Became Law

FENSKE ROAD MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT OF HARRIS COUNTYHARRIS COUNTYSpecial Districts & Authorities--Municipal Utility DistrictsSpecial Districts & Authorities--Water & UtilityENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, TEXAS COMMISSION ON

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Fenske Road contracts can trigger taxes

The district can impose a separate tax to make contract payments after a majority of voters voting approve the contract terms. This tax is separate from the operating and maintenance tax. The approved contract may let the board change its terms without another vote. The law sets no tax rate or household amount.

Fenske Road voters control maintenance taxes

The district can tax taxable property for operating and maintenance costs only after voters authorize the tax. The board sets the rate, but it cannot exceed the rate voters approved. The law does not set a tax rate or household bill.

Fenske Road borrowing can require taxes

The district can finance improvements with bonds, taxes, fees, impact fees, assessments, revenues, contract payments, grants, and other lawful money. Property taxes and tax-backed bonds require voter approval; tax-backed road bonds need approval from two-thirds of voters voting. Tax-backed road bonds and other road debt cannot exceed 25% of the assessed value of district real property. For bonds repaid partly or fully through property taxes, the board must provide an annual tax until all bonds are repaid. That tax has no rate or amount limit; some bonds backed by other revenues or contract payments need no election.

Limits on Fenske Road property takings

The law ties the district's power to take property through eminent domain to its legislative vote count. The district cannot use that power if fewer than two-thirds of all elected members in either legislative chamber approved the act. The act takes effect immediately with that supermajority in both chambers; otherwise, its effective date is September 1, 2025.

Fenske Road gains road building powers

The district can design, build, improve, operate, and maintain roads and related storm drainage. It can transfer these improvements to Texas, a county, or a city for operation and maintenance. Projects must follow municipal construction, zoning, and subdivision rules within city limits or the city's outside planning area. County rules apply outside those areas. The Texas Transportation Commission must approve plans for roads the state will operate and maintain.

New local government for Fenske Road

The law creates the Fenske Road Municipal Utility District for 33.7594 acres in Harris County. Five elected directors serve staggered four-year terms. A confirmation and permanent-board election requires consent from each municipality whose city limits or outside planning area includes district land. Temporary directors serve until permanent directors are elected or the law's fourth anniversary, with successor appointments available afterward. Any districts created by dividing this district receive the same powers and duties, including service powers and taxing authority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Paul Bettencourt

    Republican • Senate

  • Tom Oliverson

    House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 212 • No: 62

House vote • 5/30/2025

Record vote

Yes: 93 • No: 44

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 27 • No: 4

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 26 • No: 5

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 26 • No: 5

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 27 • No: 4

House vote • 5/7/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Land & Resource Management

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Local Government

Yes: 6 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Filed without the Governor's signature

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    6/2/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    6/1/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    6/1/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/31/2025House

  7. House concurs in Senate amendment(s)-reported

    5/30/2025Senate

  8. Text of Senate Amendment(s)

    5/30/2025House

  9. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/30/2025House

  10. Record vote (RV#4072)

    5/30/2025House

  11. House concurs in Senate amendment(s)

    5/30/2025House

  12. Senate Amendments Analysis distributed

    5/29/2025House

  13. Senate Amendments distributed

    5/29/2025House

  14. Senate passage as amended reported

    5/29/2025House

  15. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  16. Passed

    5/28/2025Senate

  17. Read 3rd time

    5/28/2025Senate

  18. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  19. Three day rule suspended

    5/28/2025Senate

  20. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  21. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/28/2025Senate

  22. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  23. Rules suspended-Regular order of business

    5/28/2025Senate

  24. Placed on intent calendar

    5/28/2025Senate

  25. Placed on local & uncontested calendar

    5/28/2025Senate

Bill Text

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